Victim punched 10 times, video showed

The attack took place inside Karam's room at Garry J. Armstrong Home, a city-run long-term care facility in Ottawa.

Karam suffers from dementia, and his family told CBC Radio's As It Happens earlier this year that they had installed a surveillance camera in his room after Karam suffered cuts and bruises on his face.

Tallim called the action "reprehensible" and "disturbing" but noted Xiao was co-operative and expressed genuine remorse.

The Crown recommended three months jail and 18 months probation with conditions — including rehabilitation for anger management — and no contact with the Karam family.

The lawyer for the defence suggested a conditional sentence to be served in the community, saying Xiao was a suitable candidate for rehabilitation.

Apology sincere, says victim's son

Daniel Nassrallah, Karam's grandson, told the court his trust in the long-term care system has been shattered, and that he now watches surveillance video of his grandfather constantly for fear of another assault.

Karam's son, Antoine Karam, had asked the court to "send the strongest message possible" for what he called a "senseless and ruthless act." But after Xiao spoke at the hearing, Karam said he felt the apology was sincere and he was open to the possibility of a conditional sentence.